Reading Resources: Classroom Library Campaign Update

The effort will raise funds to place up to 100 high-interest books in K-2nd grade classrooms across Fort Worth ISD, starting with elementary schools most in need. To kick off the effort, the Real Estate Council is dedicating proceeds from its 2017 Panther City Dodgeball Tournament scheduled 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, at Magnolia Green, in the Near Southside.

Individual donors may underwrite a hardcover book for as little as $15. A classroom set costs $1,500. Supporters may choose to fund books for a grade level for $6,000. Donors can sponsor a whole school’s primary grade classroom for $25,000.

A 2017 Literacy Assets Inventory of 10 Fort Worth ISD “Improvement Required” and six high-poverty elementary schools that were outperforming their peers found that schools with higher third-grade reading achievement were associated with strong classroom libraries that support independent reading time.

Classrooms in the lower-performing schools often had plenty of desktop computers and tablets. However, they lacked a bookshelf stocked with leveled books that students could access easily.

Classroom libraries do not replace the need for a robust campus library with current and culturally-relevant material. Therefore, the campaign will generate funds to purchase independent reading books, not instructional materials.

Research shows that children benefit when they have easy access to high-quality books.